| Area | Comparative advantages and statistical evidence |
| Fisheries & aquaculture | 8 of the world’s top 15 fish producing countries are in East Asia, with exports valued at $136 billion. Asia accounts for 84% of all people employed in the fisheries and aquaculture sector worldwide and 68% of the global fishing fleet. By 2030 Asia could consume 70% of fish globally. |
| Ports, shipping & marine transport | 5 out of the world’s top 6 shipping economies are located in East Asia, along with 9 of the top 10 busiest container ports. |
| Tourism, resorts & coastal development | 80% of all tourism takes place in coastal areas. International tourism in Asia-Pacific has shown strongest growth than other parts of the world. |
| Oil & gas | Asia’s demand for energy is expected to increase 40% by 2022. Globally, offshore fields could account for 34% of worldwide crude oil production by 2025. Asia will be the primary global buyer of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the coming decade, requiring substantial coastal infrastructure. |
| Coastal manufacturing | Asia accounts for nearly half of all global manufacturing output. The ASEAN region accounts for 7% of global exports, making it the fourth-largest exporting region in the world. The top 5 shipbuilding countries in the world are all in East Asia. |
| Seabed mining | The ocean floor contains economically valuable mineral deposits. Some deep sea deposits contain ores with up to 10 times the proportion of metal compared to deposits found on land. |
| Renewable energy | Technically exploitable marine-based renewable sources hold the potential to more than meet all current global energy needs. |
| Marine biotechnology | The demand for marine pharmaceuticals is anticipated to grow to $8.6 billion by 2016. China, Malaysia and the Philippines consider marine biotechnology in investment strategies and growth plans. |
| Marine technology & environmental services | A significant market need exists for companies providing marine technology and environmental services. For example, wastewater treatment technology and services are needed to address the 65% of all sewage in Asia which is dumped into the ocean without any treatment. IT-enabled solutions are needed for combating IUU fishing, an issue costing an estimated $23.5 billion annually. |